Ducati Unveils the New Panigale V4 R – Racing DNA for the Road
Ducati unveils new Panigale V4 R, the most extreme road-legal superbike ever to roll out of Borgo Panigale. Unveiled overnight as part of the Ducati World Première 2026, the V4 R represents the closest link yet between Ducati’s MotoGP and WorldSBK machinery and what customers can buy for the track.
MotoGP-Derived Performance
At the heart of the Panigale V4 R is the latest 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, Euro 5+ compliant and producing a claimed 160.3kW (218hp). Developed directly with Ducati Corse, the new unit delivers stronger midrange torque and a higher top speed than its predecessor, revving to 16,500rpm in sixth gear.
Fit the optional racing exhaust and Ducati Corse Performance Oil, and power jumps to a staggering 178kW (239hp), with top speed exceeding 330km/h – performance once reserved for MotoGP bikes.
Aerodynamics and Chassis
For the first time on a production motorcycle, the V4 R features MotoGP-derived Corner Sidepods. Working with the latest generation of biplane wings, they generate up to 25% more downforce than before, increasing stability and grip at high speed and through corners.
The chassis is built around Ducati’s Front Frame and Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, optimised for modern slick tyres in WorldSBK. Suspension is fully Öhlins, with a pressurised NPX25/30 fork, TTX36 shock, and an all-new SD20 steering damper. Brembo Hypure calipers clamp 330mm discs up front, while forged aluminium wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 rubber.
Racing Gearbox and Electronics
Another MotoGP-derived innovation is the Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG), with neutral located below first gear. Ducati’s patented Neutral Lock system eliminates accidental engagement during hard braking, while also making first-to-second shifts faster and smoother.
The electronics suite is equally cutting-edge, overseen by Ducati’s Vehicle Observer (DVO) strategy. Rider aids include Cornering ABS with Race Brake Control, Ducati Traction Control and Wheelie Control (both DVO), Slide Control, Engine Brake Control, Power Launch, and Quick Shift 2.0. Everything is managed via a 6.9-inch full-TFT display with track-focused Grip Meter view.
Built for the Track
The Panigale V4 R carries all the hallmarks of a homologation special: lightweight pistons, titanium valves, gun-drilled titanium rods, race-developed crankshaft, and fully adjustable ergonomics with revised seat, tank and footpeg positioning for optimal control. Kerb weight is listed at 186.5kg without fuel.
Produced in a numbered series with the model name and serial number on the steering plate, the Panigale V4 R continues a bloodline that began with the legendary 996R in 2001 – Ducati’s purest expression of its racing philosophy.
Availability
The Ducati Panigale V4 R will land in December priced at $75,200.
For full technical details, video content and configurator options, visit Ducati Australia.
SPECIFICATIONS DUCATI PANIGALE V4 R
- Desmosedici Stradale R engine, 998 cc
- Maximum power of 218 hp at 15,750 tpm (US VERSION: 208.4 @ 13,250 rpm) (235 hp at 15,750 rpm with racing exhaust accessory, 238.5 hp with racing exhaust and Ducati Corse oil)
- Forged steel crankshaft with increased inertia
- New, more efficient front dynamic air intake
- Lighter (-5.1%) cast aluminium pistons with DLC coating on one segment of the skirt plus oil scraper ring
- Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) with Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL)
- Gun-drilled titanium connecting rods with controlled shot peening
- Titanium intake valves
- Oval throttle bodies with an equivalent diameter of 56 mm, sub-throttle injector and reversed-opening throttle valves
- Dedicated variable-length intake trumpets shortened by 10 mm vs. MY 2024
- Cylinder heads with optimized intake ducts
- Sprintfilter P08 high-permeability air filter
- Kerb weight without fuel: 186.5 kg
- Front Frame
- 17-litre aluminium fuel tank
- Manually adjustable Öhlins NPX 25-30 pressurized fork with 125 mm travel
- Manually adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber with 316 mm wheelbase
- Manually adjustable Öhlins steering damper
- Forged aluminium wheels
- Lithium battery
- Braking system with Brembo Hypure™ monobloc calipers
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 tyres with 200/60 rear
- MotoGP-derived corner sidepods
- Larger biplane wings (+20 mm vs. Panigale V4 S, +25% downforce at 270 km/h)
- Ducati Vehicle Observer Strategy
- Latest-generation electronics package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU): ABS Cornering with combined braking and Race Brake Control; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) DVO; Ducati Slide Control (DSC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) DVO; Ducati Power Launch (DPL) DVO; Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0; Engine Brake Control (EBC)
- Buttons for quick level changes
- New 6.9″ full-TFT dashboard with 8:3 aspect ratio
- Riding Modes (Race A, Race B, Sport, Road, Wet)
- Full-LED headlights with DRLs and turn indicators integrated into the headlight*
- Single-seater configuration
- Colour: Ducati Red
